MPR Picks Up FM Signals in Duluth

Minnesota Public Radio already has more than 40 signals and it soon will acquire a 50 kW FM serving the Duluth area, plus an associated translator.

A contract was signed and application filed with the FCC for the transfer of commercial station KZIO(FM) in Two Harbors, Minn., from Red Rock Radio Corp. to MPR, according to an announcement from the broker Kalil & Co.

The station is heard at 104.3 on the FM dial but currently airs rock format “94X,” a reference to an associated translator that is part of the package. The price is $300,000.

MPR headed by Jon McTaggart and owns 40+ other signals. It is part of American Public Media Group, which also is parent of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR). Asked whether MPR will convert it to noncom and what the format might be, Senior Communications Manager Jen Keavy told Radio World, “We are considering several options for the station and at this time, we’re not ready to make any official announcements.”

Red Rock Radio Corp. has been shedding radio assets. It is led by Kathy Lau and Shawn Skramstad; it still owns three other stations in Minnesota and has an application in to sell KBAJ(FM), as we’ve reported.